Samsung Medison, a medical equipment company affiliated to Samsung Electronics, has agreed to acquire French software startup Sonio for an undisclosed price.
Founded in 2020, Sonio develops artificial intelligence (AI)-based foetal ultrasound software.
The company aims to advance global women’s and children’s health through IT solutions and AI assistant features for obstetrics and gynaecology ultrasound.
Sonio’s solutions are designed to aid medical professionals in ultrasound exam assessment and documentation.
The software company’s Sonio Detect AI assistant uses deep learning networks to enhance real-time image quality, thereby elevating clinical accuracy and the standard of care.
The Software as a Service (SaaS) solution secured the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance in August last year.
Sonio CEO Cécile Brosset said: “Samsung Medison’s established global ultrasound business combined with Sonio’s advanced AI creates an exciting growth opportunity for both sides.
“We have found in Samsung Medison an amazing, trusting partner to pursue and accelerate our roadmap and mission.
“In addition to close collaboration with Samsung Medison, as an independent company, Sonio will continue to advance medical reporting technology and diagnostic software globally, including for underserved areas in healthcare.”
According to Samsung Medison, the acquisition will strengthen its position in the advanced medical devices sector.
Post-acquisition, Sonio will operate as a standalone company based in France. The startup will continue focusing on its commercial growth independently.
Besides, the firm’s products and services will continue to be compatible with all ultrasound device manufacturers.
The combination of Sonio’s AI expertise and Samsung Medison’s ultrasound systems will help introduce AI-driven workflows to advance patient outcomes and the quality of prenatal care.
Samsung Medison CEO Yong Kwan Kim said: “We have great respect and admiration for what the Sonio team has built in the area of maternal care.
“Through the acquisition of Sonio, Samsung Medison will continue to deliver upon our promise to improve the quality of people’s lives with technology.
“Collaboration with Sonio will bring together best-in-class ultrasound AI technology and reporting capabilities to bring a paradigm shift in the prenatal ultrasound exam.”
The deal is subject to necessary regulatory clearances, including the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance’s approval.
